As I’ve mentioned before: As far as I go, no singer/songwriter better explores the theme of religion or better employs religious imagery than Nick Cave. Very few people write either religious music or music about religion that avoids either preaching on its behalf or railing against it. Nick Cave is liberated from any creedal loyalty but he’s obviously steeped enough in religious symbols, archetypes, and psychology to naturally and masterfully communicate genuine feelings and ideas through these means in a… Read more

And shows us the super-cool way he does it in this video. And don’t forget to check out his current trick (and my inspiration to go see more of his past videos) by clicking here. The trick is that he “predicts the lottery numbers” live on TV. Your Thoughts? Read more

Rather mind-boggling numbers: Harvard’s endowment tumbled 27.3 percent in its latest fiscal year, largely because of problems with its private equity and hedge fund portfolios, lopping off $10 billion and shrinking its portfolio to $26 billion. Meanwhile, Yale University suffered about a 30 percent loss in its portfolio, to $16 billion, the university’s president disclosed in a letter Thursday, adding that final figures on performance were still being compiled. Your Thoughts? Read more

Stick with this video to its bizarre ending. I oppose benedictions and forced group prayer in public institutions because of the offensive presumption to speak on behalf of a mixed group in the case of group prayer and the arrogant presumption that the audience accepts the authority of the giver of the benediction to invoke a divine blessing on anyone else in the case of a benediction. Of course, I don’t mind at my own school since it’s a private… Read more

For tonight’s entertainment, here is about 70 minutes of the best of Laura Marling on youtube as conveniently culled by Camels With Hammers for you. Interview: Her amazing album is Alas I Cannot Swim. Your Thoughts? Read more